Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano told CBS2’s Aiello he can’t imagine MGM is buying the place to maintain the status quo. He said he hopes the company thinks big. The property has close to 50 acres available for potential development.

“If they build a convention center, build a hotel, expand their gaming, create a true destination for people to come, spend their entertainment dollars, it brings more jobs, more tax revenues. Certainly we could use both,” Spano said.

Gamblers seemed split about the idea.

“I’ve been to Vegas and I won, I think it will be good,” one person said.

“I’m not impressed. I lose either way. But the hotel would be good for a lot of people,” another said.

For its part, MGM Resorts wouldn’t talk about future plans. CEO Jim Murren released a statement which said, “This acquisition represents an excellent opportunity to further solidify our presence on the East Coast, and in particular, expand our reach into the high-density New York City region.”

State regulators are expected to give the deal a close look, but experts expect it to cross the finish line relatively easily, Aiello reported.

The casino and raceway are currently owned by the Rooney family, which also controls the Pittsburgh Steelers. The deal is structured so if New York allows table gaming at the casino by 2022, MGM will pay the Rooneys an extra $50 million.